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Monday, May 18, 2015

What is Spirituality?

Spirituality As Culture Defines It.

Noun spir·i·tu·al·i·ty \ˌspir-i-chə-ˈwa-lə-tē\  : the quality or state of being concerned with religion or religious matters : the quality or state of being spiritual.”[1]

Spirituality is the praxis [established custom or habit] and process of personal transformation, either in accordance with traditional religious ideals, or, increasingly, oriented on subjective experience and psychological growth independently of any specific religious context. In a more general sense, it may refer to almost any kind of meaningful activity or blissful experience. There is no single, widely-agreed definition for the concept, and the term may be applied to a wide variety of practices.[2]

“Allowing yourself to be filled with inspiration, which also translates into love, joy, wisdom, peacefulness, and service.”[3]

Spirituality is the wellspring of divinity that pulsates, dances, and flows as the source and essence of every soul. Spirituality relates more to your personal search, to finding greater meaning and purpose in your existence.” [3]

Spirituality as the Bible Defines It.

The man or woman that is absolutely convinced that God's standards are completely perfect, that His lowest requirement is nothing short of flawlessness. Albeit this person's  heart's desire is to obey all of them precisely and completely in a way that God is glorified and depended on – for men and women who are spiritually authentic see themselves ruined if God forsakes them. [confirm:  Psalm 119:1-8]

The Presbyterian Puritan, W.S. Plummer writes:

"Although good men are far from being what they ought to be and they hope to be, yet they long for conformity to God's entire will.  If they could have it their way, they would never sin again . . .  sensible of his own weakness and corruptions, he still hungers and thirsts after righteousness, and will continue to do so, more and more; and never be satisfied till he awakes in the divine likeness."[4]

This is spirituality.  Anything else is subjective, emotional, existential barrenness.



For further discussion on "relationship versus religion", please read my Blog located HERE.






[1] http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spirituality
[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spirituality
[3] http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/exploring-the-meaning-of-spirituality.html
[4] William S. Plumer, Psalms, A Critical and Expository Commentary with Doctrinal and Practical Remarks, The Banner of Truth Trust, Carlisle, PA., 1867, Page 1024

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